ST. PARIS – The Ohio Hi-Point Graham Middle School FFA Chapter was recently awarded a $1,200 Living to Serve grant from National FFA. The semester-long grant allows the FFA chapter members to implement a service-learning project in their community. The Graham Middle School FFA Chapter selected Graham’s Pre-K programs to teach younger students about agriculture.
“We completed a service project with the Pre-K students last spring where we grew Marigolds for each student to have as a gift for Mother’s Day,” said Ali Peterson, the advisor and instructor for the OHP Graham Middle School FFA Chapter.
“State FFA Convention was virtual last spring, so as part of our virtual trip we spent time with the Pre-K students decorating their flower pot to take home. That service project went well, so we wanted to expand this year.”
The students will create lessons that will introduce topics to the Pre-K students such as where food comes from, how to grow their own, and an introduction to healthy food. The chapter also plans on teaching the students about giving back to their community through service learning.
To complement the lessons and complete the grant project, the FFA chapter plans to purchase a tower garden for the Pre-K pod.
“I wanted to engage my students in more service learning projects, but without the burden to their families of having to take them to different places, so we have partnered with the Pre-K teachers to offer some of these opportunities next door for my students,” finished Peterson.
The chapter hopes to have a bountiful harvest which can be donated to the Federation of Churches in St. Paris to be used in the free, weekly community dinner or for them to hand out to families in need.
About Ohio Hi-Point
The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center develops our most valuable resource, people, by providing quality career-technical and academic education programs. Our High School and Satellite Divisions serve juniors and seniors from 14 partner school districts and offer more than 30 career training programs, while our Adult and Continuing Education Division has a strong focus on customized training, providing businesses the training needed to strengthen and prosper in the community.
The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith | 2280 St. Rt. 540 Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 | 937-599-3010
